Trend Alert: Grownup Goth for (yes) Spring
Be a corporate goth at work and a grownup goth every day and night
Sometimes, designers create trends out of thin air; other times, they mine subcultures for inspiration. That’s the case for the Grownup Goth trend.
How did the Goth style evolve?
Goth was an outgrowth of the punk trend from the late 1970s through the 1980s. Like many fashion groups, punk was absorbed into the mainstream. Nowadays, everyone has at least one moto jacket and a pair of black clunky boots in their closet. True, they’re paired with boho skirts, boho being another fashion group that became trendy and is now a style option.
What does the Grownup Goth trend look like?
Goth, that dark, semi-romantic style of dressing that included silver-toned accessories, black lace, and leather, was reinvented for adults during the Spring/Summer Fashion Weeks. Designers from Balenciaga to Armani and Schiaparelli to the ultra-feminine 16Arlington showcased Goth for Adults, including Corporate Goth, Date Night Goth, and Grownup Goth for the weekend. A recent article in The Economist delves into how Gen Z is embracing Goth culture.
Where can you get Grownup Goth style inspiration and tips?
Unlike our very fun and misspent youth, Grownup goth is polished, well-tailored, sleek, and sexy. If you’ve been a Goth in your heart, now’s your time to shine. If you’re curious about how to dress Goth and still be taken seriously at work, you can follow a few Instagram and TikTok accounts for fashion tips. Instagram has Yung.planet is an LA-based Corporate Goth (her words) who frequently posts GRWM and how-to videos. Instagram’s theplaincircle is grownup Goth with touches of vintage style. TikTok has a slew of Corporate Goths who showcase looks appropriate for the office and beyond. Here are a few accounts to check out: cejachel mixes high and low brands. Another account, the_littleblondegirl proves you don’t have to be in your 20s to pull off Goth style for the office, and cleopatratrashbag’s account is chic and body-positive Goth. Contributing Beauty Editor at Vogue, Tish Weinstock’s book, How to Be a Goth: Notes on Undead Style, delves deeply into Goth culture and fashion.
How to incorporate Grownup Goth, AKA Corporate Goth, into your wardrobe.
More than likely, you own more than black item in your wardrobe. Before you start shopping, play with what you own. Pull the black items out of your closet to create outfits. Go ahead and play with textures. Try a silky top with jeans. Let your imagination run wild. Here’s an easy Goth outfit to make, and you probably already own the pieces. Pair a graphic band tee, preferably black, with black jeans and black boots or sneakers. Add silver jewelry, pile it on, and finish the fit with a black belt or a silver and black belt. Easy peasy.
Is Grownup Goth just piling on black on black on black on black on black?
Nah. Dressing Grownup Goth doesn’t mean a limited palate. You can incorporate colors and prints. While you may think a skull print is the only “Goth-approved” print in your wardrobe, you can use florals, animal prints, and even plaid. The key is proportion and mood. Here’s an example that works whether you’re channeling the Grownup Goth vibe, or not. aussiedomxo , an Austin-based content creator, shows a Corporate Goth fit that uses color and print.
Below are a few suggestions for adding Grownup Goth to your existing wardrobe.
Dresses
The great thing about a black dress is that it goes anywhere. It’s a blank canvas that can be dressed up or down, depending on what accessories you wear with the dress. You can be preppy Goth, Boho Goth, and Quiet Luxury Goth. Here are three dresses that can go Goth with the right accessories.
Toccin Megan Tie Front Midi Shirt Dress
This full-skirted cotton dress (with pockets!) is a lovely mix of Audrey Hepburn and Corporate Goth. Make it Goth with silver accessories, chunky loafers, or lace-up boots. It's $495 at Bloomingdale’s and Toccin.
Romwe Hippie Floral Dress
I love a dress I can toss on and go, and this cotton embroidered dress fits the bill. Add a black straw hat, sandals, and a woven bag, and you’re set—$35.89 at SHEIN.
Tuckernuck Black Pique May Polo Dress
Got Sporty Goth? Style this cotton pique polo dress like the photo. Just swap out the bag and sweater for items in darker hues. It's $148 at Tuckernuck.
Tops
Lane Bryant Button-Front Collar Blouse
Elevate your look with this lace-accented button-up. Try it with high-waisted black pants and a silver chain belt—$69.95 at Lane Bryant.
Quince Washable Stretch Silk Puff Sleeve Blouse
Washable silk that is certified OEKO-TEX Standard 100, and you can style it with jeans, workwear, and a sequin skirt. Sign me up! This Quince blouse could become a wardrobe staple. Pick it up for $79.90 at Quince.
TeePublic Cocteau Twins – Lullabies T-Shirt
Gothic-rock turned darkwave band The Cocteau Twins' music was on heavy Indie rotation through the ‘90s. Show off your music cred with this tee designed by Innerspacecowboy. It's $23 at TeePublic.
Bags
Bags add a little something extra to any outfit. Call it eye candy, the finishing touch, or a focal point; bags can elevate a look. Here are a few that could work for the Grownup Goth vibe you’re creating.
Steve Madden Hippee Bag
Black straw woven into one of Spring’s hottest bag trends, the hobo bag could be your go-to bag for the season. It’s $129 at Steve Madden.
Aldo Lucena Satchel
This bag is a baddie. Aldo’s satchel can be hand-carried or worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag. It’s $54.99 at DSW.
BLVCK Paris BLVCK Liquid Backpack
Black transparent PVC trimmed in Saffiano leather, this genderless backpack is a minimalist’s dream. Each handmade backpack has an outside zippered compartment, a deep main compartment, and a breathable mesh backing for comfort—$205 at BLVCK Paris.
Shoes
We both know you can never go wrong with a black shoe or have too many pairs.
Franco Sarto Tinsley Mary Jane Flat
Mary Janes are big this Spring, and these tick all the fashion boxes. Raffia? Check. Square toe? Check? Versatile? Check! Ergonomic soles? YASS! On sale for $86.99 at Franco Sarto.
ODISSI Hailey Black Leather Bike Boot
The basic biker boot gets glam with a stacked heel, metal hardware, and harness straps. It is currently on sale for $310 at ODISSI.
Dream Pairs Chunky Loafer
The chunky loafer is back, babeee. Yep, that Y2K staple has returned. Dream Pairs makes theirs in shiny patent leather with a perfect chunky foundation. Right now, they’re on sale at $39.99 at Amazon.